Friday, August 30, 2013

Book Reviews: The Forever Stone, Rain Song

The Forever Stone
by Gloria Repp is a good story. It’s about Madeleine Rondell, a young widow who
escapes her sorrows by volunteering to help her aunt refurbish an old family
house in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. There she meets old Timothy, the
storekeeper who becomes her confidant. She also gathers a growing group of
teens around her, adopts a wildcat, takes an online baking course, and explores
the secrets of the piney woods. Madeleine encounters counterfeiting, danger,
treasures (people and things), and love.

I had read some of Mrs. Repp’s children’s books and was
eager to read something she wrote for adults. Even though her style is more
old-fashioned and less pacey than a lot of modern writers, she weaves a very
good story with many delightful details. The last chapters will have you
turning pages very fast. I loved this warm story. Mrs. Repp’s style adds to its
appeal. Brew yourself some coffee or tea, get cozy, and enjoy The Forever Stone.

Rain Song by
Alice J. Wisler is a warm family story.Set in Mount Olive, North Carolina—think pickles—it’s about the close
McCormick family. It’s complete with a lovely matriarch who sticks religiously
to her traditions, her sister, a few complicated people and infidelities, and
some typically Southern food and charm. Nicole lost her mother in a house fire
when she was two, and she was reared by her grandmother and loved by her aunts
and the whole family. Her father couldn’t handle his wife’s death and descended
into drink and despondency. Nicole meets someone online while discussing koi fish,
and the friendship grows. Soon, she is asking questions she never thought she’d
ask and finding out about her early childhood.

It wasn’t the plot that was intriguing about this book.
It’s fairly straightforward with a few surprises. But the style . . . . All I
can say is that I love Mrs. Wisler’s
style! It’s folksy and fresh, first person. The motifs of pineapple chutney,
cucumber sandwiches, Japan, a special doll, and fish are woven throughout the
book so that it has extra meanings and cohesiveness. The child Monet, who has
obvious physical issues and great artistic talent—how often the two go
hand-in-hand—gives the reader a joyful release from the intense emotions we
feel from Nicole, her aunt Iva, and her cousin Grable. Nicole finds many
answers about her mother, father, and the lady who saved her life. Eventually,
she moves on to trust and love.

I look forward to reading more of Mrs. Wisler’s books
from this series, “Heart of Carolina,” and I heartily recommend this one to
you.

Hi and welcome to In the Way! I explore many subjects, striving always to present them from a biblical viewpoint. Feel free to browse the tabs at the top for general categories. If you don't see what you're looking for, use the search button below. I'm a pastor's wife, mother of two, grandma, teacher, author, and blogger. I live in a quaint little village in the beautiful Basque region of northern Spain.

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Lou Ann is a young-thinking grandma with an infectious laugh. She rejoices in nature and other beautiful things--including people! She's an avid writer and practices several other artistic expressions, like singing when no one's listening, calligraphy, photography, and even "serious art." Lou Ann loves her Lord Jesus Christ, family, and her church.